Tips for uncontested divorce in Colorado

On behalf of Mary Kay Kramer, P.C. posted in Divorce on Thursday, January 12, 2017.

Life doesn't always go as planned. You found the love of your life when you were 20 and skied for a few years while you finished school. Then there was more skiing and some travel. It was an exciting and a happy time in your life, but then your first kid came along.

He tended bar while she helped out at an accounting firm during tax season. The baby arrived in May, but she was offered an opportunity for fulltime work at the firm in July. It seemed like a good fit with him working nights and her working days. The routine continued on for a few years and then another baby arrived.

Two babies under four meant a lot of stress. Soon there was nothing but talk of sleep schedules, money, frustration with jobs and life, and more talk of money. Eventually it became clear that the two young lovers were going in different directions - her to become more settled and him still looking for the next adventure. They still loved each other, but they were at an impasse. Separation was immanent and divorce wouldn't be too far behind even though they still cared for each other.

There aren't a huge amount of assets and the couple has an amicable relationship, so a smooth and easy uncontested divorce seemed like the wise and economical choice.

Here's some important steps for the process here in Colorado:

•1. Determine how you will file. Will you file the petition jointly or will one of you make the initial filing? It's best to file jointly to keep the paperwork together.

•2. At least one of you must reside in the state of the Colorado for 90 days to file here. File in the county where you or your spouse resides. Fill out the paperwork or at least take a look at it. If you have children and plan to file uncontested divorce, click here for the paperwork that is needed. A parenting plan (JDF 1113), a sworn financial statement (JDF 1111) and a separation agreement (JDF 1115) must all be signed before a notary.

•3. Get you finances in order. Since she is an accountant, chances are good that these will be in good shape or at least well organized.

•4. Along with a parenting plan comes a plan for the family. Try to live close to each other, ideally with the custodial parent remaining in the family home to ease the transition. Have a clear idea of what the child support plan will be, how will custody work, and if alimony will be paid.

•5. Hire a lawyer. Ideally one for each of you. Each divorce is different and the above points are applicable to most, but there are many details that still need to be worked out even with an amicable split to ensure that the parties' individual rights as a parent and a person are protected under the law. The idea is to create a contract that is workable for each parent and the kids.

If you or a friend is getting divorced, the important thing is to take care of the kids and keep a respectful tone towards each other. Divorces take a lot of hard work no matter how simple it seems. The more thought and effort put into the arrangement at the beginning, the less headaches and frustration later. A lawyer experienced in family law is often helpful in making this process legally sound as well as smoother and less stressful.

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